A few years after Pope Benedict XVI liberated the celebration of the traditional Roman Rite (the Latin Mass) in church, a number of faithful and bishops have established an annual pilgrimage and conference in Rome dedicated to celebrating the traditional liturgy. In the last year of the Francis pontificate, following his restrictions, no one even dared asked permission for the old Mass to be celebrated in a historic church.

But this year, in a very welcome sign, the full pilgrimage and associated liturgies were celebrated in grand churches. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, considered to be from the more liberal wing of the traditional movement, celebrated of Solemn Vespers at San Lorenzo in Lucina last Friday evening. Cardinal Raymond Burke celebrated a Solemn High Mass on the Altar of the Throne in Saint Peter’s on the feast of Christ the King.

Being in Peru for much of his recent career, Pope Leo XIV has not really witnessed the youthful movement for tradition in the church, largely in France and the United States. He seems to know mostly of the liturgical wars and the various attempts to address them in recent pontificates. But they haven’t touched him. His suggestion that traditionalists might be satisfied by the new rite celebrated in the Latin language, with smells and bells, demonstrates this fundamental unfamiliarity. Nonetheless, Leo has basically invited the members of this movement to speak to him and allowed them to celebrate their annual pilgrimage to Rome, to demonstrate what they’re all about. It’s a welcome sign that the new pontiff is approaching this matter with generosity and an open mind. I recommend this report and reflection from Gavin Ashenden on the spirit of the weekend.